The St Dominic’s College Senior (above) and Intermediate Basketball teams (below).
Photos supplied by Christina Michaleris, St Dominic’s College.
St Dominic’s College has won the 2023 NSW All Schools Basketball Championships for the second successive year, defeating McKillop Port Macquarie 39-26 in the Grand Final.
“In the competitive world of School Basketball, there are teams that consistently rise above the rest, showcasing their remarkable skill and determination,” said Christina Michaleris, Marketing and Communications, St Dominic’s College.
“The (St Dominic’s) Senior Boys’ basketball team has been an unstoppable force, consistently dominating their opponents with their extraordinary skills and team spirit. With each passing season, they have set new benchmarks, exhibiting exceptional talent and a winning mentality. Their commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication have enabled them to secure consecutive titles, cementing their status as true champions in the sport.
“The players’ remarkable performances, both individually and as a unit, showcased their deep understanding of the game and their ability to excel under pressure.
“Behind every successful team, there is a dedicated coaching staff that plays a pivotal role in shaping and nurturing talent. It is essential to recognise and appreciate the efforts of our coaching team, who have been instrumental in guiding and mentoring our senior basketball players to achieve such extraordinary heights. Congratulations to Mr Leon Hine and Ms Rachael Atkinson, whose expertise, strategic acumen, and unwavering support have played a significant role in instilling the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship within the team.”
The St Dominic’s College Intermediate team, comprised of Year 9/10 players, also competed at the All Schools Championships, playing in Division 3 against predominantly Year 11/12 teams.
The Intermediate team played a total of five games, securing impressive victories in four of them. Their performances against older and physically stronger opponents served as valuable practice, providing them with valuable experience and helping them sharpen their skills.
Intermediate coach, Mr Jeff Kilbourne, quoted that “Even though the boys played five games against year 11/12 teams, winning 4 and losing narrowly to St Paul’s Grammar, the team remained undeterred and determined to learn from the experience. The opportunity to compete against larger and more experienced players allowed the St Dominic’s team to adapt to the challenges posed by bigger bodies on the court. These encounters will undoubtedly prove beneficial as they continue to progress and compete in future events.”
“St Dominic’s College is grateful to Mr Jeff Kilbourne for his exceptional mentorship and coaching, which has been instrumental in nurturing and guiding our development basketball team to reach new heights,” said Christina.